Students develop language skills by exploring issues of concern or controversy, past or present, and examining the way language is used in relation to these topics. They study the way in which language can be used to influence attitudes and bring about action or change, as well as ways in which such uses of language can be challenged and/or resisted. As part of this topic, students consider the relationship between language and power. They learn how power relationships are represented through language; how particular uses of language can be empowering or disempowering and how they can empower themselves through language.
This unit
This unit will examine the ways that various written and visual texts have represented controversial issues and topics. The three extended texts deal with issues of justice from different contexts. Harper Lee's novel deals with a young girl's perspectives on race and justice in the American South during the Great Depression. Arthur Miller's play explores the ways in moral panics can lead communities to the most outrageous atrocities. Jim Sheridan's film analyses how a society in the grip of anger and fear of terrorism can wrongly imprison an innocent family.
Through this unit, you will develop your skills by learning:
how to recognise the ways in ways language represents controversial issues by encouraging audience's to accept some perspectives on the issue and possibly rejecting others;
how to recognise the ways visual, written and oral language are used to represent social groups;
how to manipulate language in ways that will persuade audiences to accept your chosen position on an issue; and,
how to use language to articulate your understandings of issues encountered in your reading and viewing.
Table of Contents
Background
From the syllabus
Students develop language skills by exploring issues of concern or controversy, past or present, and examining the way language is used in relation to these topics. They study the way in which language can be used to influence attitudes and bring about action or change, as well as ways in which such uses of language can be challenged and/or resisted.
As part of this topic, students consider the relationship between language and power. They learn how power relationships are represented through language; how particular uses of language can be empowering or disempowering and how they can empower themselves through language.
This unit
This unit will examine the ways that various written and visual texts have represented controversial issues and topics. The three extended texts deal with issues of justice from different contexts. Harper Lee's novel deals with a young girl's perspectives on race and justice in the American South during the Great Depression. Arthur Miller's play explores the ways in moral panics can lead communities to the most outrageous atrocities. Jim Sheridan's film analyses how a society in the grip of anger and fear of terrorism can wrongly imprison an innocent family.
Through this unit, you will develop your skills by learning:
Text Types
Visual TextsPrint Texts
Oral Texts
Extended Text Studies
The Crucible
In the Name of the Father
To Kill a Mockingbird
Contexts
The Irish Troubles
The Great Depression
The American South
The Civil Rights Movement
The Puritans
McCarthyism